American journal of preventive medicine
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Marked racial disparities persist in influenza and pneumococcal vaccinations among Medicare beneficiaries. This study sought to assess the contribution that patient, physician, health system, and area-level characteristics make to these racial disparities in immunization. ⋯ Despite similar insurance coverage and presence of a usual physician, black beneficiaries were significantly less likely than their white counterparts to receive influenza and pneumococcal vaccinations. The implications for future research are discussed, including the need for system-based interventions that make the offering and discussion of vaccination routine.
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Numerous reports have documented a lower prevalence of seat belt use among blacks in the United States, compared with whites. Limited data suggest that black-white disparities in states with primary seat belt laws (motorists can be stopped and cited solely for violating a seat belt law) are less marked than in states with secondary laws (motorists can be cited for violating a seat belt law only if stopped for another offense). ⋯ Black-white disparities in seat belt use were mitigated in states with primary seat belt laws. Only 24 states have primary laws. Enacting primary laws in other states might reduce or eliminate racial disparities in seat belt use.
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Previous studies suggested that the cancer incidence rates in American Indians and Alaska Natives were lower than in other groups. The objective of this study was to compare the cancer incidence rates in American Indians and whites in Montana. ⋯ There is a significant disparity in the cancer incidence rates between American Indians and whites in Montana. Regional or state-level surveillance data will be needed to describe the changing patterns of cancer incidence in many native communities in the United States.
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New Mexico has the highest rate of drug-induced mortality in the United States. The contribution of prescription drugs to the total overdose death rate has not been adequately described. ⋯ The rate of prescription drug overdose death in New Mexico increased significantly over the 10-year study period. Comprehensive surveillance of drug overdose deaths is recommended to describe their occurrence in the context of both medical and diverted use of prescription drugs. Understanding decedent profiles and the potential risk factors for prescription drug overdose death is crucial for effective drug overdose prevention education among healthcare providers.
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The goal of this research effort is to evaluate changes in public opinion associated with the youth tobacco access (YTA) prevention media campaign in Arizona. ⋯ While exposure to the campaign was limited, important changes were observed. For example, at post-campaign, the respondents in the intervention community reported greater satisfaction with current YTA prevention efforts. However, future research must investigate if increased satisfaction leads to more or less community involvement. Further, research must also investigate whether a campaign influencing community members to assign greater responsibility for YTA prevention on the retailers selling tobacco serves community interests. Data from this evaluation suggest that researchers and practitioners must be aware of potential negative, as well as potential positive, outcomes of YTA prevention efforts.